Standish Free Methodist Church distributing food to those in need

STANDISH — On Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. until noon the Standish Free Methodist Church will be handing out free boxes of food for low-income residents of Arenac County.

Food will be passed out at the fellowship hall at the church.

Pastor Jim Watt said the church hosts the The Emergency Food Assistance Program, which is part of the Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency, quarterly and consistently provides food for more than 500 families.

“We can feed about 1,000 people in Arenac County,” Watt said. “We give away a box filled with food per family.”

He said he prefers if people bring their own boxes to be filled and that the box can be filled with a number of items.

Watt said that currently around 600 families have signed up to receive foood.

“What we (distribute) depends on our commodity,” Watt said. “In the past we have given out whole frozen turkeys.”

He said that most of the food that is given out is canned or bagged.

“Nothing ever goes to waste,” Watt said.

Watt said currently there are around 25 volunteers who help unload a semi-truck and distribute the food.

“If it was not for the volunteers that help out this would not happen,” he said. “These people that help are truly fantastic.”

Watt said the experience of helping people is rewarding.

“I love working with the volunteers, meeting the people and helping them,” he said.

Watt said those interested in signing up can come to the site and sign up there. For more information, contact Watt at 989-846-9243.